North Shore Marathon

I ran in the inaugural North Shore marathon on Sunday.  This was marathon number 7 for me (8 if you include the Ultra).

The weather appeared to be quite perfect on the drive to the start as there was a thick fog blanketing Auckland.  Unfortunately it burnt off reasonably quickly and we had the hottest day of the winter for most of the marathon.

The marathon course was two loops of the half marathon course and I found it pretty tough. Most of the course was undulating with a particularly nasty hill climb up North Head which is a small steep volcano cone. I found going up that really drained all energy 3df0dc072ebcb6b81cd235c205454c05and enthusiasm and the slippery grass coming down was rather treacherous. Other than that it wasn’t too bad.  Lots of scenic views and the last km of each loop along the beach was pretty if not always firm underfoot.

I hit the first half bang on my target of about 2 hours.  The plan had been to do a negative split but my dreams of maintaining that hit reality pretty quickly into the second loop. 

I personally think I was undertrained for this marathon as my last long run was in mid June as I spent most of July wrestling with a chest lurgy.  The second loop took about 2:48 which involved a fair bit of run/walking towards the end.

Overall a disappointing time but on the day I was just happy to finish. I finished 25th in my age group and 81st overall.

It was great to see fellow daily miler Danilo out on the course.  He snapped the photo!  I ran the first half with my running buddy Peter who did an outstanding PB of 4:03:00.

8 and a half weeks to the Auckland Marathon!

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August 31, 2011 | Filed Under fitness 

Comments

27 Responses to “North Shore Marathon”

  1. richardNo Gravatar on August 31st, 2011 3:34 pm

    great!

  2. Andrew(AJH)No Gravatar on August 31st, 2011 9:50 pm

    Wow, marathon number 7 (8), excellent effort – I’m struggling to get past 1.
    Andrew(AJH)´s last [type] ..Melbourne … most livable city

  3. David H.No Gravatar on September 1st, 2011 12:15 pm

    Good to see another post!! Congrats on another marathon.
    David H.´s last [type] ..A most-ever moment
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  4. AndrewNo Gravatar on September 1st, 2011 12:33 pm

    I know I’ve been very slack! In my defence I have been absolutely crazy busy with work.
    Twitter:

  5. shoutygirlNo Gravatar on September 1st, 2011 8:55 pm

    Last year I can run 2 kilometers twice a week for my exercise but now I am busy and I can only hike on my stationary walker, it’s a pity I have break my regular jog exercise. I admire people who are very consistent with their exercise.
    shoutygirl´s last [type] ..anry birds game

  6. JoeNo Gravatar on September 2nd, 2011 3:17 am

    I had a very similar experience a few years back after being sick for weeks leading up to the race. You finished and enjoyed it, that’s the main thing.
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  7. shaunNo Gravatar on September 6th, 2011 1:21 am

    Hi, I am always in awe of anybody who can do 1 marathon let alone several, congrats. Having struggled with my weight and managed to control it for the last two years losing 6 stone, I have decided to try to do my first half marathon for charity (diabetes uk). Your exploits are an inspiration for me to push on.
    shaun´s last [type] ..Your Weight Loss Mind Set

  8. LauraNo Gravatar on September 8th, 2011 12:06 am

    awesome wanna try that someday:):)..am sooo excited to experience that..
    Laura´s last [type] ..Luxury Chalets

  9. sweetcaroline16No Gravatar on September 11th, 2011 12:47 am

    Wow Andrew that’s a great achievement! i have run for almost 4 months now but I am not sure I can be in a marathon, maybe a fun run will do.
    sweetcaroline16´s last [type] ..first date question

  10. jonNo Gravatar on September 14th, 2011 1:42 pm

    WOW! Nice job! I myself just can’t get myself jogging lol. I do walk daily. I am eating right as well. When I first started walking for exercise I wanted it to be a stepping exercise to get into jogging. But alas .. I hate jogging lol. Its just not for me I guess. Oh well. I’ll stick to daily walks, home workouts, & a healthy diet lol. :)

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  12. TrulaNo Gravatar on September 20th, 2011 9:38 am

    Hi Andrewm congratulations on the marathon! That is awesome.
    Trula´s last [type] ..Day 96

  13. ChloeNo Gravatar on September 22nd, 2011 12:19 am

    I had experience that..and its good..
    Chloe´s last [type] ..Chrome Gets A Much Needed Updating

  14. JellyNo Gravatar on September 22nd, 2011 1:40 am

    marathon is a bit hard though..but i want try..
    Jelly´s last [type] ..online game angry birds

  15. North Shore Marathon | Weight Loss on September 22nd, 2011 2:26 am

    [...] ebsfwan for Andrew is getting fit, 2011. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us Post [...]

  16. BernaNo Gravatar on September 22nd, 2011 3:56 am

    How I wish I can also join a marathon, but sadly due to health reasons will not forever experience it/
    Berna´s last [type] ..How To Conceive Quickly

  17. Wedding Photographer Los AngelesNo Gravatar on September 22nd, 2011 7:40 pm

    Way to go, Andrew! I’ve always wanted to run, but I’m too busy to do it. Hopefully, I make time to join a marathon one of these days.

  18. margeNo Gravatar on September 25th, 2011 5:20 pm

    I have recently started running myself.I feel the best shape of my life after a few weeks of running .
    marge´s last [type] ..chickadee whirligig

  19. WendyNo Gravatar on October 1st, 2011 12:21 am

    Great Job Andrew! I really admire your determination on your marathon..Keep up the good work!
    Wendy´s last [type] ..Chamonix Mont Blanc France

  20. DonnaNo Gravatar on October 4th, 2011 3:41 pm

    My trainer sent me your blog as motivation I am training for my first marathon. I see you did 7 that’s amazing thank you for the encouragement you provide!

  21. GracelynNo Gravatar on October 6th, 2011 3:09 am

    Every time I heard or watch a marathon I always think that is hard. I can’t stand a long run, as I look the the picture it seems that it’s fun.
    Gracelyn´s last [type] ..Trouble Conceiving

  22. ruchelle smithNo Gravatar on October 9th, 2011 11:00 pm

    I think running on a marathon is a wonderful experience. That’s why i’m preparing myself for some marathon event in our country.
    ruchelle smith´s last [type] ..Ways to win the lottery

  23. JasonNo Gravatar on October 14th, 2011 2:27 am

    I do walk daily. I am eating right as well. When I first started walking for exercise I wanted it to be a stepping exercise to get into jogging. But can’t really do jogging.
    Jason´s last [type] ..Forex

  24. LucyNo Gravatar on November 4th, 2011 5:47 pm

    i always find marathon as an exciting and challenging sport :) and accomplishing it gives you an amazing feeling!
    Lucy´s last [type] ..Remediation for black mold problems

  25. malunggay56No Gravatar on November 8th, 2011 3:32 am

    I think running on a marathon is a wonderful experience. That’s why I’m preparing myself for some marathon event in our country. | :P
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  26. KimNo Gravatar on November 9th, 2011 5:28 pm

    I’ve learned that finishing a marathon isn’t just an athletic achievement. It’s a state of mind, a state of mind that says anything is possible. keep it up!
    Kim´s last [type] ..Taxi Accident Crash Compensation Claims

  27. ShellaNo Gravatar on November 16th, 2011 3:43 pm

    i love what you have said Kim :) very true. that’s why i love to join this up coming marathon event for a good cause.
    Shella´s last [type] ..Missold Mortgages Compensation Claims

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